As predicted by the media, Lionel Messi surpassed Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the 2023 Golden Ball.
This is also the 8th Golden Ball in Messi’s career. Previously, El Pulga was crowned in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
According to Lautaro Martinez, the man could absolutely own 15 Golden Ball titles without the appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi goes down in history as the 8th Ballon d’Or.
“Messi must share this era with Ronaldo, otherwise he would have won the Ballon d’Or 15 times“, Lautaro shared on ESPN.
With his 8th Golden Ball, Messi became the first player to hold this noble title in 3 different clubs. Superstar number 10 also became the first player in MLS history to win the Golden Ball.
El Pulga also set a record by becoming the player with the most times in the top 3 Golden Balls in history with 14 times.
Speaking after the victory, which was described as ‘infinity’, Messi said:
“My award goes hand in hand with what I won with the team. This is a gift for the whole team and the whole country of Argentina.
Haaland has had a spectacular year and won everything. I have no doubt that in the coming years, he and Mbappe will win this award.”
Bao Bao | 17:56 October 31, 2023
